Hartlepool United v Charlton Athletic RECAP: How it played out as Pools move into the semi-finals of the Papa John's trophy with shootout win
Pools had to come from behind after Mason Burstow and Alex Gilbey cancelled out Joe Grey’s excellent opener.
But Graeme Lee’s side don’t know when they’re beaten in cup football this season and substitute Luke Molyneux grabbed a stunning equaliser within minutes of being introduced.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdAnd it was no less than Pools merited after they created a number of opportunities against the League One side with a penalty shootout the least they deserved.
Ben Killip, who had been at fault earlier in the game for Burstow’s equaliser, redeemed himself with a strong save to deny Elliot Lee and hand Pools the advantage in the shootout following Molyneux’s conversion.
And it was left to Sterry to settle the tie and, just like at Ashton Gate last season, the fullback calmly dispatched from 12 yards much to the delight of Pools supporters.
And here is how the 90 minutes played out.
A message from the Football Clubs Editor
Our aim is to provide you with the best, most up-to-date and most informative Hartlepool United coverage 365 days a year.
This depth of coverage costs, so to help us maintain the high-quality reporting that you are used to, please consider taking out a subscription to our new sports-only package here.
Your support is much appreciated. Richard Mennear, Football Clubs Editor.
Hartlepool United 2-2 Charlton Athletic RECAP: Hartlepool seal 5-4 shootout victory to advance into the semi-finals
Key Events
- Luke Molyneux equalises for Hartlepool
- Alex Gilbey gives Charlton the lead
- Mason Burstow draws Charlton level
- Joe Grey gives Hartlepool the lead
- Hartlepool United XI: Killip, Sterry, Hendrie, Odusina, Francis-Angol, Smith, Crawford, Shelton, Grey, Olomola, Cullen
- Subs: Boyes, Liddle, Byrne, Ogle, Ferguson, Featherstone, Molyneux
- Charlton Athletic XI: Macgillivray, Purrington, Famewo, Pearce ©, Morgan, Gilbey, Washington, Matthews, Leko, Watson, Burstow
- Subs: Henderson, Lee, Castillo, Aneke, Blackett-Taylor, Inniss, Clare
7 - GOAL FOR POOLS
POOLS LEAD
It’s a wonderfully composed finish from the teenager who latches onto a ball over the defence from Smith and coolly dinks it over the on-rushing Macgillivary.
Gilbey with a decent looking ball down the right which Killip cuts out ahead of Burstow but the Pools keeper can’t prevent a throw in
Early corner for Pools as Sterry feeds Shelton in down the right and his cross is diverted behind for a corner.
Warm-ups done!
The warm-ups are done here at the Suit Direct Stadium. Just over 10 minutes until game time!
Team news reaction
Our Hartlepool United writer Joe Ramage shares his views on Graeme Lee’s starting line-up:
“Seven changes in total from Saturday’s draw with Stevenage which isn’t a huge surprise given Pools have tended to mix things up in this competition so far this season.
“One surprise omission is defender Neill Byrne who takes a seat in the dugout for the first time since the second round tie with Sheffield Wednesday where he came on as a late substitute.
“Byrne is replaced by Luke Hendrie who returns from a calf injury as Lee switches to four in defence with Jamie Sterry back in the fold after his suspension.
“In attack it may well be the same as what we saw against Bolton Wanderers with Joe Grey and Olufela Olomola occupy wing roles with Mark Cullen as the out-and-out striker down the middle.
“The question remains as to whether Mark Shelton, Martin Smith and Tom Crawford will act as a three in midfield or whether one will move into a more advanced position behind Cullen.
“Pools’ bench looks strong with the likes of Luke Molyneux, Nicky Featherstone and David Fergson included.
“No space for new signings Jake Hull or Marcus Carver.”